Fantasy Football Sleepers: Louis primed for big game

By Trevor Smith

Sports Blogger

@trevor_smith20

Quarterback: Kevin Hogan, Cleveland Browns: 14 points

Kevin Hogan had himself a day Sunday, as he threw for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns’ 17-14 Week 5 loss against the New York Jets. This was Hogan’s third time he had to take over for rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer. Hogan’s performance produced 20 fantasy points and put him in competition for the starting job in Cleveland. He also has a favorable matchup this week against the Houston Texans, who will be without Pro Bowl defensive lineman J.J. Watt.

Running back: Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts: 4 points

Indianapolis Colts rookie Marlon Mack saw his first significant playing time since Week 1 against the Rams. Mack finished Sunday’s contest against the 49ers with 91 yards on nine carries, as well as a touchdown and one reception. Sunday was Mack’s first action since producing two points in Week 2 against the Cardinals. He is beginning to garner more attention in the Colts’ backfield and can expect to see an increase in carries against a Titans team that is amidst a two-game losing streak. Mack is available in 3.4 percent of ESPN leagues; therefore, he is worth a pickup if you’re not sure who to start in your FLEX this week.

Wide Receiver: Ricardo Louis, Cleveland Browns: 8 points

(Keith Allison, Flickr)

Ricardo Louis has been on the up-and-up the past two weeks with back-to-back 10-plus point performances. Louis has recorded 10 receptions over the past two weeks for 135 yards. He has been the Browns’ top target the past two weeks, garnering 17 targets over that span. Louis has a favorable match-up against the Texans’ secondary, as Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith exploited them for 324 yards and three touchdowns in Week 5. Therefore, Louis is a good WR2 or FLEX option.

Tight End: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, New York Jets: 10 points

Austin Seferian-Jenkins has been one of Josh McCown’s top targets this year. He led the Jets in targets this past week with eight. Seferian-Jenkins has recorded three-straight games with four-plus receptions while finding the end zone Sunday against the Browns. He has seen his fantasy production increase, which culminated in 14 fantasy points this past week. Seferian-Jenkins is a strong TE start for this week and weeks to come as he continues to find his groove.

Defense/ST: Indianapolis Colts: 3 points

The Colts’ Defense/ST has been less than impressive to start the season with its highest output coming in Weeks 2 and 3, where it had six points. However, the Colts have a favorable match-up, as they face a struggling Titans team, which may be without Marcus Mariota for the second-consecutive week. The Colts will look to exploit the Titans lack of offensive production. Therefore, the Colts are a good stream starter this week for players in deep leagues that need a spark.

Kicker: Aldrick Rosas, New York Giants

With Odell Beckham Jr. going down with a broken ankle, the Giants’ already struggling offense will continue to get worse. That’s where kicker Aldrick Rosas comes in. With the Giants inability to put the ball in the end zone, Rosas will be a key aspect if the Giants want to put points on the board. Therefore, look for Rosas as a spot start this week as the Giants faceoff against a tough Broncos defense in Denver.